News – Latest News

Minnesota Tops 5,000 Daily Cornonavirus Tests for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota for the first time has exceeded Gov. Tim Walz’s goal of conducting 5,000 coronavirus tests a day. The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday that state and private labs administered 5,223 tests on Tuesday. Walz has said that hitting the 5,000 target consistently is a necessary condition for reopening the state’s economy. The department also reported 728 new confirmed…

Midday Update 5-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

St. Luke’s Reminds Patients to Seek In-Person Care for Medical Emergencies

Many Patients Are Receiving Mixed Messages About Medical Care Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth urge patients to come into their facilities if you are experiencing a medical emergency. They’ve received reports of patients receiving mixed messages when it comes to handling medical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If you have a medical problem, it’s safe to come see your physician,” said Dr. Nick Johnson,…

Hospitality Groups Press Lawmakers for Economic Relief

MINNEAPOLIS-A coalition of Minnesota hospitality organizations is urging state legislators to provide an economic relief package to help save the industry’s businesses. The coalition includes Hospitality Minnesota, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, the Community of Minnesota Resorts and the Craft Brewers Guild. A recent survey by Hospitality Minnesota says that more than half of hospitality businesses may be forced to…

Windy Weather Yields Smaller Bird Count During Spring Migration

Spring Bird Counters Set Up Near Enger Tower and Thompson Hill Depending on Wind Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – Coronavirus has pretty much put a halt to humans traveling across the nation, but it’s not stopping birds and other wildlife from soaring back into the Northland for the summer season. “We have to be here regardless of the weather,” said John Richardson, a spring migration counter with Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth. A windy, cold…

Morning Update 5-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Wisconsin Regents to Vote on Scrapping ACT/SAT Submissions

MADISON, Wis.-The University of Wisconsin System regents are set to vote this week on whether to scrap requirements that students submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their admission applications. The regents are set to meet Thursday to consider lifting the requirement at all institutions except UW-Madison for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. System officials wrote in a…

Gov. Walz Allows Elective Surgeries Statewide; Essentia, St. Luke’s Say They’re Ready

The Governor signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries and procedures, reversing an order from March.

DULUTH, Minn.- An executive order from Governor Tim Walz gave the green light for healthcare providers to resume elective surgeries and procedures on May 11th. A move officials at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals in Duluth said they are ready for. Health systems statewide have lost about $1 billion a month since procedures and surgeries were banned in March,…

22 Cases of Coronavirus Now in Itasca County

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Itasca County has recorded an increase in cases of Coronavirus. There are now 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. That’s up from only six cases last week. Officials say 18 of those cases came from an assisted living facility in Grand Rapids known as The Emeralds where nine staff members and nine residents tested positive….

Chilly Billy’s in Duluth Reopens

DULUTH, Minn.– After being closed for over a month, Chilly Billy’s on Woodland Avenue in Duluth opened its doors last week. Because the store is self-serve, customers who come in must wear gloves that are provided while they are getting frozen yogurt. The number of toppings has been cut in half to keep customers moving. Chilly Billy’s is only letting…

Flower Shops Prepare for Mother’s Day

Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend. Superior Blooms is taking orders right now for Mother’s Day. Management says the business is a bit busier than they usually are. They recently upgraded their website and have gotten more traffic. They also have been getting sales through Instagram and…

Douglas County Tourism Hits Record Season in 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Tourism in Wisconsin last year created a record $22.2 billion boost in the state’s economy. But as the Coronavirus pandemic stretches closer to this summer, that number is expected to look a lot different. Tourism in Douglas County last year saw one of the best seasons ever but the pandemic is expected to do the opposite for 2020….

Lilac Hill Preps to Open Second Greenhouse

DULUTH, Minn.– Mother’s Day is right around the corner and greenhouses are opening back up just in time. Lilac Hill Greenhouse is getting ready to open a pop-up store in the parking at Super One on West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. The soft opening is tomorrow. 200 hanging baskets will be available along with annuals, perennials and more. The manager…

Great Outdoors: Trout Fishing

With the nicer weather and many businesses shut down, many people are using their free time to fish on Knife River. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With school classes virtual and many businesses shut down, many people are using their free time to fish on Knife River. “I don’t want to sit at home on the couch all day, I want to get out and do stuff because I’m getting bored with schoolwork and just sitting and watching Netflix,” said Justin, who was…

Grandma’s Marathon Kicks Off Virtual Races

More than 200 people have already submitted their race times.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend may be canceled this year, but runners are still hitting the pavement to clock in their times. Beginning Monday, registered runners could run their races, including the William A. Irvin 5K, the Garry Bjorklund half marathon or the full marathon. Each participant can print out their own race bib and then submit their times…

CSS Students Make Masks While Getting Paid For On-Campus Jobs

One student has made about 100 masks, which she has already distributed to homeless shelters, grocery stores, and hospitals in her hometown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many students at the College of St. Scholastica are no longer working their jobs on-campus as the college has moved to online teaching to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. But nearly 30 of those student employees are now getting a chance to get paid, while helping to make masks for essential employees and medical workers. Many…

Cinco De Mayo Celebrations Improvised Due To Covid-19

"This is sad, but in the meantime, it is good for our customers. We want everybody to be safe and healthy," said Co-owner Rebeca Marta.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People may not be able to celebrate Cinco De Mayo the way they normally would… but Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Superior mad sure everyone could still enjoy the Mexican holiday. Customers ordering their favorite Mexican dishes were given a little something special to help them celebrate. Some customers received a sombrero and a Mexican family game called…

Bridgeman’s Restaurant Sells Sundae Kits

The restaurant has already sold hundreds of kits.

DULUTH, Minn – Good news for all the ice cream lovers. Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Duluth is now selling sundae kits as a way to help add some fun while you get through the coronavirus pandemic. Each kit comes with two pints of Bridgeman’s ice cream of your choosing, four homemade waffle bowls, five assorted toppings, and your very own Bridgeman’s souvenir…

Breweries Support Healthcare Workers

Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic. Bent Paddle, located on West Michigan Street, is offering a buy one get one free option for its Crowlers and Growlers. For first responders and for healthcare workers, grocery store employees as well as gas station clerks. Management says it’s about providing for…

How are Dentists Doing During the Pandemic?

Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold.

DULUTH, Minn. – Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold. “It’s a tough position because we’re trying to be here for patients that need us but we want to keep our staff and our patients safe and there’s a lot of limitations to things in society right now,” said…

Conservative Justices Bash Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservative justices who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court raised doubts Tuesday about whether Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order is legal, asserting that the Legislature never intended to give the executive branch so much power. Justice Rebecca Bradley suggested during oral arguments over the order that state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm’s decision to…

Duluth High Schools Creating Virtual Graduation Ceremony Videos

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools will hold virtual graduations this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school district announced on Tuesday. “Graduation from high school is a significant milestone, one that students anticipate and look forward to for years,” Bill Gronseth, the ISD 709 Superintendent, said in a press release. “In the face of the pandemic and the restrictions…

Gov. Walz Signs Order Allowing Elective Surgeries, Dental Work

(Article from our sister station Fox 9) (FOX 9)-Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries to restart on May 11. According to the governor’s office, the executive order provides a roadmap for safely restarting elective surgeries. Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering…

Hayward’s Lumberjack World Championships Canceled for 2020

Hayward, Wis.-The Lumberjack World Championships Foundation and its board of directors announced today the 61st annual Lumberjack World Championships competition and festival has been canceled for 2020. “With the uncertainties associated with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the nation and around the globe, LWCF officials were forced to make the difficult decision to reschedule the 61st annual…

Minnesota Projects $2.4 Billion Budget Shortfall

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Management and Budget office is releasing an updated budget projection today for the current biennium (2020-2021), and according to initial reports, the economic outlook has significantly worsened since the coronavirus pandemic. A deficit of $2.426 billion is now projected for the current biennium, which is almost a $4 billion change compared to the February forecast. State…

Midday Update 5-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Two Premier Northern Minnesota Camping Spots Won’t Open Overnight

DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota’s two premier camping destinations will remain closed to overnight visitors for the duration of Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order. Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness announced Monday that they will be open for day recreation, but will not issue camping or houseboat mooring permits through May 17. The owner of Rainy Lake Houseboats in…

Elective Surgeries Could Resume, Budget Update Expected

MINNEAPOLIS-The financial cost of the coronavirus outbreak in Minnesota is front and center Tuesday as state budget officials update the impact the pandemic has had recently on state revenue projections. Gov. Tim Walz meanwhile, was expected to ease the financial burden on health care providers by allowing them to resume elective surgeries and procedures. A temporary ban on those procedures…

Morning Update 5-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Woodland Avenue Construction Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Construction on Woodland Avenue and Calvary Road is picking back up this week. It’s a two-year, $11.5 million joint project between St. Louis County and the City of Duluth. Crews will finish replacing concrete sidewalks and sod. Woodland Avenue will remain open during all of this but Calvary Road will be closed beginning May 11 from Woodland Avenue…

Grocery Store Donates Food to Goodwill Employees

DULUTH, Minn.– With some people out of work because of the pandemic, a grocery store in Cloquet is working to help get food to people who need it. Around 30 employees at Goodwill in Duluth were given free groceries from B&B Market in Cloquet. 50 bags were donated filled with classic grocery items like bread, milk and eggs. Employees were…

Menards Requiring Customers to Wear Masks

Menards is now requiring all customers to wear masks or face coverings while shopping. According to the company’s website, if a person entering the store does not have one, they can purchase a mask there also. Children under the age of 16 along with pets are no longer allowed in any stores but service dogs are still welcome. The company…

Big Top Chautauqua 2020 Season Canceled

BAYFIELD, Wis. – The 2020 summer season of entertainment and events at Big Top Chautauqua has been canceled. Big Top’s management announced Monday that they weighed countless scenarios but determined it was best to skip this season with the uncertainty surrounding the safety of large gatherings involving this pandemic. Big Top Summer 2020 Press Release There are refundable options available…

St. Luke’s Expands Coronavirus Testing Capacity

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– Coronavirus testing requirements are now loosened in Minnesota, making it easier for anyone with symptoms to get swabbed. And thanks to increased testing capacity in the state, healthcare providers in the Twin Ports are able to give more tests. In April, St. Luke’s turned its Miller Creek Clinic in Hermantown into a respiratory clinic to help fight Coronavirus….

Duluth Trails Open After Freeze/Thaw, No Plans to Close Beaches So Far

Walkers, runners and bikers flock to their favorite trails.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for the nice weather, Duluth Parks and Recreation announced that most of the city’s multi-use natural surface trails are now open after being closed due to wet conditions. “It’s been a long time coming this spring,” said Parks and Rec Trail Cooridinator Matt Andrews. “We’ve all been patiently waiting for these trails to open up….

Knowing Your Neighbors: Farmer Doug

Farmer Doug has started selling his locally grown products, including flowers and jelly, at the end of his driveway.

PROCTOR, Minn. – With farmer’s markets needing to adapt to the pandemic, Doug “Farmer Doug” Hoffbauer has taken his products to the end of the driveway. “We just started doing it self-serve and as you’ve seen, it’s been kind of a constant flow of people from neighbors who are walking and biking to people from around the area who come…

Green Haven Elementary Teachers Hold Parade for Students

Teachers got to wave hello and talk to their students as they drove by.

HIBBING, Minn. – On Monday, teachers lined the sidewalk of Green Haven Elementary School as their students and family members drove by. Staff members got to wave hello and talk to their students from a safe distance. After nearly two months of distance learning, students and teachers were very excited to see each other again. “It feels great to see…

Experts Say Everyone Should Be Wearing Masks to Slow Spread of COVID-19

While many people may be feeling healthy, experts stress that masks are more to protect others than yourself. 

DULUTH, Minn. – As the community continues to try to slow the spread of COVID-19, experts say everyone should be wearing face masks. While many people may be feeling healthy, experts stress that masks are more to protect others than yourself. While certain types of masks work in different ways, all of them have breathing air go through a filter…

Retail And Non-Essential Businesses Reopen For Curbside

"I think small businesses are a big part economy. The more small businesses we can get up and running, I think it will be a big help for everyone," said Top Knots to Tails Co-owner Karla Wirtz.

DULUTH, Minn- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently gave the green light for retail and some non-essential businesses to reopen, but only for curbside pickup and delivery. And Monday was the first day shops re-open with those restrictions. Thousands of retail and other non-essential businesses have been closed for more than a month due to the Stay-at-Home executive order. For many…

Duluth Fire Department Gets New Truck

The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck. It arrived about a week ago, but it has been in the works for more than a year since July of 2018. The department has been short a truck up until this new one arrived. Some characteristics of this truck include a higher horsepower motor, which allows…

Local Bakery in Need of Funding

Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local bakery is asking the public for donations so it can continue with its business. Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000. This will pay workers with reduced hours, continue to provide the baked goods and will help with replacing the business’ industrial mixer, which is getting close to not be being usable anymore….

Wisconsin Special Election Runs During the Pandemic

Officials say they have a better grip on the COVID-19 situation and things will run in a more smooth manner. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly one month ago, controversy swirled in Wisconsin as in-person voting was allowed during an election. Later reports from the state department of health indicate that more than 50 people connected with the election tested positive for COVID-19, and now another election is on the horizon in the 7th district between Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat Tricia…

Three Survive Kayak Incident Off Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.-At 1 p.m. today, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a water emergency involving three kayakers who were about 400 feet off Park Point near the Sky Harbor Airport. Duluth Fire arrived to find the boaters on shore, pulling the kayaks out of the water and in contact with Duluth Police. The boaters confirmed that all persons in their…

Numbers Spike for Minnesotans in Intensive Care for COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans hospitalized in intensive care with COVID-19 has jumped for three straight days to the highest levels yet, health officials said Monday. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 166 patients in intensive care units as of Monday, up 11 from a one-day high of 155 set Sunday and a high of 135 set Saturday….

Midday Update 5-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

White Spruce Market Seeing Spike in Business Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Locally Handcrafted Gift Boxes Are Proving to be Popular Gifts As Stay-At-Home Orders Continue

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is less than a week away, and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’ll most definitely look a little different this year. The ‘new normal’ isn’t stopping the tradition of gift-giving, however. Locally handcrafted White Spruce Market is seeing a big spike in business as consumers look to stay connected by gift-giving.  Bailey Aro Hutchence is…